Shale Shaker Screen Latch Assembly for Vertical Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shale shakers face difficulties in securely attaching and detaching screens during construction, deconstruction, and maintenance due to obstruction caused by traditional attachment mechanisms, which limit the direction of screen insertion or withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of latch assemblies positioned below the screens allows for vertical insertion and withdrawal, eliminating obstructions and simplifying the process of attaching and detaching screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment mechanisms are used to secure screens, then screens can be attached and detached, but the attachment mechanisms create obstructions that limit the direction of screen insertion or withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional attachment mechanism from its conventional position and extracts the essential function of securing the screen. The screen is secured directly to the shaker frame using simplified attachment points, eliminating the complex intermediate attachment mechanisms that created obstructions and limited insertion directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex attachment mechanisms to secure screens, the patent inverts the approach by using simple attachment points on the frame that directly receive and secure the screen. This reversal simplifies the structure and eliminates obstructions while maintaining the screen security function.
2Reliability
If traditional attachment mechanisms are used, then screens can be secured, but the mechanisms create directional obstructions that complicate maintenance and construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the screen attachment system into separate, independent attachment points distributed along the screen perimeter. Each attachment point is a simple, discrete element that can be independently accessed and operated, eliminating the need to manipulate complex interconnected mechanisms during maintenance and construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by placing simple attachment points directly on the frame rather than using complex mechanisms. This inversion maintains secure attachment while dramatically simplifying maintenance and construction operations by eliminating directional obstructions.
3Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used, then screens can be securely attached, but the process of attaching and detaching becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential security function from complex attachment mechanisms and implements it through simple attachment points. This allows screens to be quickly attached and detached while maintaining secure attachment, significantly improving productivity during screen changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the attachment system from complex mechanical mechanisms to simple geometric attachment points. This parameter change enables rapid screen attachment and detachment while maintaining the necessary security and reliability of the connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A shale shaker for separating formation cuttings from a drilling fluid includes a basket and a screen deck positioned within the basket. The screen deck includes a plurality of screens positioned on a plurality of screen supports, such that each screen is positioned on a corresponding one of the plurality of screen supports. Each screen includes a top side, a bottom side opposite the top side, and a mounting bracket positioned along the bottom side. The mounting bracket includes a pair of parallel first support members and a clamping bar coupled to and extending between the pair of first support members. Each screen support includes a pair of parallel second support members and a latch assembly including a hook assembly positioned between the pair of second support members. The hook assembly is configured to engage with the clamping bar to secure the screen to the screen support.